About Us

Project Access for All: A National Initiative

Project Access for All is the first and only open-source national platform advancing access, inclusion, and systemic change through the leadership of a wide network of changemakers — including cultural institutions, artists, athletes, entertainers, educators, community organizers, mutual aid networks, technologists, philanthropists, public officials, service providers, and the disability community itself.

Launched in 2009 at the suggestion of Kareem Dale, Special Advisor to President Barack Obama on Disability Policy, Project Access for All was created through a national working group convened by the White House. This group brought together museum professionals, accessibility advocates, funders, and government leaders to chart a new path forward for cultural access and inclusion.

The platform is coordinated by Art Beyond Sight and exists to amplify the leadership and creativity of its partners. It is not owned by any single organization, and it reflects the evolving vision of the communities it serves.

A Platform Reimagined

After over a decade of service, the original Project Access platform was compromised in a cyberattack, prompting the need for a full redesign and relaunch. The new platform — now under development — is being rebuilt to be more powerful, secure, and collaborative than ever before.

When fully relaunched, Project Access for All will provide:

  • The first searchable national and NYC-area database of accessible arts, culture, and entertainment spaces — from major museums and theaters to local libraries, sports arenas, and public gardens

  • A robust forum for engagement between cultural leaders, disability advocates, service providers, artists, and community members across the U.S.

  • A growing hub of professional development resources, strategic collaborations, and peer-led innovation

  • An open-source best practices center for accessibility and inclusion in arts and culture

Explore our Mission, learn how to Become a Partner, or dive into Our History to discover where we’ve been — and where we’re going.

Much of the platform’s content is also shared on DisabilityUnite.org.

Project Access NYC: Local Innovation, National Model

Project Access NYC (PANYC) is the New York City portal of Project Access for All, launched in 2010 at the suggestion of Commissioner Matthew Sapolin of the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). The project officially debuted at Gracie Mansion in August 2011, in partnership with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Art Beyond Sight.

New York City is home to the largest population of disabled residents in the country — more than one million people — and one of the most expansive, diverse cultural sectors in the world. PANYC was created to ensure those two realities meet in meaningful, accessible, and inclusive ways.

Project Access NYC fosters collaboration among the city’s cultural institutions, advocates, artists, and educators to:

  • Support the equitable participation of disabled New Yorkers in cultural life

  • Facilitate inclusive planning and public celebration (such as Disability Pride Month)

  • Inspire other cities to follow New York’s lead in building lasting, systemic accessibility

Why New York City?

New York is a city of artists, truth-tellers, and community builders — and home to over a million people with disabilities. From historic museums and performance venues to grassroots arts spaces and libraries, New York offers both incredible promise and deep responsibility.

Project Access NYC helps ensure that this city leads by example — building the infrastructure, policies, and partnerships to make access a reality for all.